This Chicken Soba Noodle Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s made with tender chicken, slurp-worthy soba noodles, fresh veggies, and a tasty broth that warms you up instantly.
Whenever I make this soup, I can’t help but think of cozy nights in. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, and you can enjoy it any time of the year! 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level in the soup. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth is a great substitute, giving a nice depth of flavor without meat.
Soba Noodles: These buckwheat noodles create a unique texture. If you can’t find them, try rice noodles or whole wheat spaghetti as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Shiitake Mushrooms: They add a wonderful umami flavor! If you can’t find them, cremini or button mushrooms work well too. For a different taste, dried mushrooms can be rehydrated.
Soft Boiled Eggs: They add creaminess to the soup. If you want to keep it vegan, you can skip the eggs altogether or add tofu cubes for protein.
How Do You Achieve a Flavorful Broth?
The broth is the heart of your Chicken Soba Noodle Soup, so let’s make it flavorful! Start with quality ingredients and follow these steps:
- Warm sesame oil to release its nutty flavor, then sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. This adds a lovely aroma to your soup.
- Combine chicken broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. These ingredients work together to create a balanced flavor profile. Adjust soy sauce depending on your taste for saltiness.
- Simmer the broth gently. This not only melds the flavors but keeps the broth clear and clean.
Making a flavorful broth sets the stage for the entire soup experience, so take your time and enjoy the process!
Chicken Soba Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 ounces soba noodles
- 4 spears asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh spinach or other leafy greens
- 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 soft boiled eggs, halved
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon black and white sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Soba Noodle Soup can be prepared in about 30 minutes. With quick prep and cooking times, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a soothing weekend meal. You’ll love how fast it all comes together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start by Sautéing:
In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until they’re fragrant. This step creates a wonderfully aromatic base for your soup!
2. Create the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the soy sauce and rice vinegar. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where all the flavors begin to meld and come to life!
3. Add the Vegetables:
Now, it’s time to add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and asparagus to the simmering broth. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies are tender but still crisp. You’ll love the vibrant colors!
4. Cook the Soba Noodles:
While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the soba noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re done, drain them and set aside. These will give your soup a delightful texture!
5. Combine Chicken and Spinach:
Next, add the shredded chicken and fresh spinach to the broth. Heat everything through until the spinach is just wilted. This will add a nice pop of color and nutrients to your soup.
6. Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked soba noodles between two serving bowls. Ladle the delicious hot soup with chicken and veggies over the noodles, filling each bowl generously!
7. Add the Final Touches:
Top each bowl with halved soft boiled eggs, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish. These little additions make your soup feel special!
8. Season and Serve!
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your Chicken Soba Noodle Soup immediately and enjoy every warming, flavorful bite!
Can I Use Different Noodles Instead of Soba?
Absolutely! If you can’t find soba noodles, you can use rice noodles, udon noodles, or even whole wheat spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodles you choose!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables like mushrooms and squash. The rest of the recipe stays the same!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the broth and cook the vegetables and chicken ahead of time. Store them separately from the noodles and add them in when you’re ready to serve. Just reheat gently on the stove.
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen it up!
